Litchfield Jazz Camp had a successful fundraiser on Saturday May 4 at Litchfield Distillery. The venue was made available to the non-profit Litchfield Performing Arts, responsible for the Camp and Litchfield Jazz Fest for nearly a quarter century, by Jack and Pam Baker, and Peter and David Baker, owners of the stylish facility.
The party for 60 buzzed along against a backdrop of gleaming copper, brass and stainless stills and vintage-style casks stacked ceiling high– evoking the atmosphere of a hip, metro hot spot. The Bakers and their employees offer their services, delicious cocktails crafted from their award-winning small batch spirits, their energy and their smiles—all gratis—for many area charity events. Thanks to their generosity and that of the companies and individuals who helped sponsor the evening and its auction, Litchfield Jazz raised over $8000 for Litchfield Jazz Camp scholarships.
Thanks also goes to WNPR’s John Dankosky, host of the weekly program, Next, a true jazz fan and a true friend of Litchfield Jazz. John auctioned off two exciting trips to the highest bidders, one to Tuscany and the other, The Jazz Cruise, a week of the best in jazz-on-the high seas in the Caribbean, donated by Festival Productions LLC.
Music for the evening was provided by the stellar trio—all members of the Jazz Camp faculty—of saxophonist Albert Rivera, pianist Jen Allen and bassist, Zwelakhe-Duma Bell Le Pere. Delicious eats were created and underwritten by Ciesco Catering who sent us all home with packets of memorable bourbon shortbread cookies.
Litchfield Jazz Camp runs from June 30 to July 27 at the Gunnery in Washington Ct. Places are still available for its first two weeks. For information or registration contact 860-361-6285 or visit litchfieldjazzcamp.com. The camp culminates in the 24th Annual Litchfield Jazz Festival, this year for the first time, at the Gunnery’s Emerson Performing Arts Center with a free Outerfest of crafters, artists and student musicians at the First Congregational Church of Washington and on its grounds, opposite.
Photo Gallery: Images by Lindsey Victoria Photagraphy
